Tim Sherstyuk took an Ontario Summer Company grant for a driveway sealing business and turned it into a web design agency. Confused? It goes like this. His driveway business needed an online presence and, while creating it himself, he realized his real gift was generating on-line traffic.

Tim describes Elonta Design like this: “I take the same principle into the web design business as I did with the driveway sealing. What I saw the competition doing was work quickly, spray down the black asphalt sealer and leave as quickly as possible. I wanted to differentiate myself from the others, so I focused on quality. Because I did a good job, people were really satisfied so they told their friends and neighbours and I got plenty of business. I still get calls, even though I’m no longer in the sealing business. I learned my lesson though – quality counts – and I adopted the same principles for my current business.”

The word Elonta comes from the universal language of Esperanto. Elonta is made up of two root words and means “from the future.” This is a constant reminder that innovation is key to the success of any business, and that in order for Elonta to keep on expanding, Tim and his team of web designers must constantly work to be at the forefront of the on-line design world. And that’s exactly what they do.

Ottawa-based photographer Randy Shaughnessy has received the award for the Ontario Photographic Artist of the Year at the 2012 Annual Awards Banquet of the Professional Photographers of Canada – Ontario (PPOC-ON). Randy also received an award for Best in Class in the Animal-Wild/Domestic Category. The noted photographer is an accredited member of the Professional Photographers of Canada (PPOC) in the categories: Wedding Story, Portraiture, Fine Art/Photo Decor, Architecture, Pictorial/Scenic, Nature, Wildlife, Night Photography and Animals. When asked about his craft, Shaughnessy told Ottawa Life: “I live to create something special every time I peek through the viewfinder. I am constantly refining my techniques to develop a fresh approach to set myself apart and create a defining style for Shaughnessy Photography.”

Professional Photographers of Canada – Ontario

Ottawa’s Shaughnessy Photography is a husband-and-wife team who loves working with people and capturing the moment with an emphasis on personal service. They specialize in corporate events, portraits and weddings. Their passion is the secret to their success in creating timeless memories for their clients. You may also view Shaughnessy Photography’s Fine Art, available for purchase, in their private gallery. www.ShaughnessyPhotography.com

The world-class Shen Yun Performing Arts returns to the National Arts Centre over the December holiday season. As part of the New York-based dance company’s annual global tour, there will be five shows at the NAC December 27-30, 2012. Shen Yun Performing Arts offers an exhilarating production that celebrates the pure excellence and grandeur of classical Chinese dance and music. The show attempts to renew a largely lost cultural tradition that pays honour to timeless virtues and human dignity. The universal themes of compassion, courage and hope are hallmarks of Shen Yun. “Shen Yun presents 5,000 years of traditional Chinese culture and history through beautiful dance and music and an uplifting spirit,” said Dr. Jean Zhi, speaking on behalf of the Ottawa local presenters. Tickets may be purchased at www.shen-yun.tickets-center.com